A picture taken by Bambi in her backyard in Sackville, NB, Canada.
This post is meant to share a picture taken by Bambi a couple of days ago.
Sunsets represent the end of days with the hope of fresh starts in the next morning.
Sunsets feel both fast and slow. Even if we try to capture them with a snapshot, they are naturally beautiful transitional periods of time.
Magical, they seem unique each time, even if they have been happening forever.
They remind us that endings can be peaceful, not necessarily sad.
Endings have the potential to be the beginning of creative transformations. Sometimes they may even already carry seeds of resurrections.
Perhaps the wisest lesson from sunsets is to slow down to appreciate the present moment while being grateful for what ended and hopeful about what is beginning.
On March 5th, 2026, students of the “Collège de la Sainte-Famille” in Fanar, Lebanon, received the Palm of Honour of the 2026 French Education Abroad (EFE) network. This prestigious distinction highlights inspiring initiatives led by students/educational communities within the French network abroad.
If you wish, you can listen to this beautiful song composed by the Lebanese students. Their brief video starts with the following inspiring written message: “To Afghan women, to all women deprived of their freedom, to those who fight, to those who hope… we sing for you.”
Following the song, you can read the YouTube description of this project as well a quick English translation of its original French lyrics; thank you Mr. Google Translate.
“When students decide to use their voices for those who no longer have them.
At the Collège de la Sainte-Famille in Fanar, Lebanon, students wrote a song entitled “By Us, For Them” to support young Afghan girls deprived of education.
Their message is simple:
📚 Education is a universal right.
This project was awarded the Palme d’honneur of the 2026 French Education Abroad (EFE) network, a distinction that highlights inspiring initiatives led by students and educational communities within the French network abroad.
The song was written by eleventh-grade students and gives voice to millions of girls around the world who are fighting for their right to learn.
If this initiative resonates with you, please share it.
Because sometimes, a song can carry the message of the freedom to learn far and wide”.
—
English LYRICS of “By us, For them” [“Par nous, pour elles”]
“They stole my books but not my memory. I keep it in my palm.
They closed the door on me but
[music]
not my thoughts.
I still dream of school amidst regrets. Even in our circumstances, let’s learn to sing
or have my wings burned. I will rise again from the wax of my voice despite everything.
[music]
I will fly away. I will fly away.
Silence will never be stronger than thoughts.
With my broken pencils, I want to write in the dark on the
[music]
invisible and invincible walls of memory.
Give me
[music]
the education I deserve, this learning we walk, this light we ascend. Help me to overcome
[music]
this merit, this learning we give, this light we surpass.
[Music]
Help me through this life and then I will fly [Music] to the realm of knowledge.
Carried by
[Music]
my voice, I will fly higher than the night. There, where each time illuminates the equality
that he lives, I sing then for myself, for you, and for [Music] all those who know that the redemption of the world must pass through
[Music]
her.
Through us, for her.
I will rise again, I will rise again, I will rise again”.
CBC (https://tinyurl.com/4cv7dr54) reminded us that Ireland, Spain, Slovenia, the Netherlands, and Iceland are absent from the Eurovision competition because of the participation of Israel. Some people in the audience booed the young Israeli singer yet Mr. Bettan did a remarkable performance at the semifinal. His song, called “Michelle“, is about a breakup. Regardless of wars in the world, may music keep entertaining, comforting, and healing all the broken hearts, including Mr. Bettan‘s heart.
Perhaps time is frozen at our last video call with your beautiful smile (thank you, Samer)?
Perhaps time is stuck at our last phone chat with your warm voice (thank you, Khoder)?
Or is time standing still since Bambi saw oil being placed on your head at the very end of your funeral service (thanks to the link, Gladson in Beirut and Michael in Dubai)?
Regardless of time moving while being relatively still, your voice keeps echoing in Bambi’s ears. To her last “I love you, papy“, you replied “I love you more and all of us here we do so“.
THANK you for having been, not just Bambi’s lovely dad, but most significantly a teacher of love. What a blessing to all of us.
May your soul rest in peace and memory be eternal, Antonio habibi…”habib albna kilna”!
💜💜💜
This post ends with Roula’s MOVING words about her dad, a beautiful pamphlet honouring the lives of Antoine and Robine, two brief prayers for the dead in Arabic and English respectively, and Mr. Richard Clayderman’s piano music because Antoine was a fan. Love and peace to Roula, Rania et al. (including you, beloved Samer and Khoder), along with the Azars extended family members, friends, and childhood neighbours across the miles, wherever they are now.
Thank you Roula!
A brief prayer in Arabic for mom and dad… and all the deceased. May their memory be eternal.
Since 2019, Lebanon has been going from crisis to crisis and from war to war.
Even in the darkest times of a nation, good news emerge, giving us hope for a calmer and brighter future.
Yes, it is no secret to any reader. Dr. Roula Douglas happens to be one of Bambi’s two sisters; our entire family, on earth and in heaven, is proud of her!
Regardless of any love or blood bias, Bambi can only agree with Antonine’s University (https://shorturl.at/PUddQ) great choice of Academic Dean, which is perfectly aligned with its vision of excellence, for its Faculty of Information and Communication. The latter currently offers several programs not just in journalism, but also in audio-visual, graphic design, and advertising, at both the undergraduate and graduate levels (https://shorturl.at/E1Lk9).
Clealry, Roula’s “distinguished profile bridging academia, research, and journalism“—enriched by her vivid intelligence, critical thinking, creativity, work ethics, and sense of fairness—is a source of inspiration to us all. Bravo to her/”Mabrouk” and all the best in her esteemed new position!
As for Lebanon, may you keep moving forward despite the scary challenges, collective traumas, and lasting scars of violence. May your universities and schools keep making your youth dream of healing, peace, love, and prosperity. May their dreams become a possible reality with one attitude at a time, one baby step at a time, one day at a time.
Bambi has two old posts on her most talented friend Michael Lifshitz (shared below).
Michael is a source of inspiration not just to Louis—his childhood friend— and to Bambi, but also to the entire Canada. He is also a source of laughter and thus of good times.
Actually, Bambi does not know from where to start to describe Michael to you, dear readers. Some of you may be lucky to know him or have heard of him. For those who do not know him yet, he is a skilled comedian in addition to being an accomplished, highly successful entrepreneur.
From his own bio found on his website (https://tinyurl.com/y4v5ectc0), we learn that “Michael was born with a condition called Multiple Congenital Musculoskeletal Abnormalities. In addition to wearing an artificial leg, he walks with a cane and uses a wheelchair for longer distances. Contrary to what many would believe possible, he became a chartered accountant and also obtained a MBA from Edinburgh Business School.
He has built and sold successful accounting and financial planning practices. Today, in addition to continuing a successful career in finance and accounting as CFO and co-founder of Breakaway Experiences, a gift experience company, he uses speaking, comedy and writing to not only educate people as to what people with disabilities can do, but to also inspire them to overcome their own challenges and live their life to the fullest of their abilities”.
A skilled financial consultant, Michael who now resides in Ottawa is an entrepreneur in private practice while having worked—as a financial advisor—for both Investor Group and McGill University over many productive years.
In addition, and of note, Michael Lifshitz is a HILARIOUS comedian, as you can see in the YouTube video below. Of note, his full comedy album was released on December 3rd, 2025, which was the “International Day of People with Disabilities”. It is entitled “Speech from the Throne – Living with a Disability in Canada”. For those of you who are interested, it is available on Apple Music (https://tinyurl.com/3nev3rnb).
Of note, even if this post describes Michael’s multi-talent holistically, it focuses mainly on his comedy skills, performing as a one-man-show. Those skills, which are in line with the World Laughter Day (https://tinyurl.com/2pmcpdrc), are much needed at all times. Indeed, they contribute to heal our troubled world, making it kinder, lighter, and more beautiful.
Nevertheless, in addition to his artistic talent (sharing stories from his own life), Michael is an uplifting Canadian citizen. Indeed, he has contributed to public life and even ran for municipal politics while living in Montreal.
Furthermore, Michael is a passionate advocate for youth well-being and for the prevention of violence.
Not only all that. Despite his busy schedule, Michael finds the time to regularly (and safely, thankfully!) jump off buildings to raise funds for meaningful social causes. For instance, in September 2019, he raised funds for Easter Seals Nova Scotia in Drop Zone Halifax. Easter Seals Nova Scotia has been advocating for Nova Scotians with disabilities for over 80 years. Its top-quality services promote mobility, independence, and inclusion in society. Bravo to them and to Michael!
To conclude this post, thank you Michael for whom you are with your humanity, values, and skills. Thanks for our precious friendship. Bambi loves you beyond blog’s posts and world’s laughters or smiles. Please keep up your talent, be well, and come to visit your two friends in Sackville, NB ❤️. We now have a couple of buildings in our small town : )!
Lebanon has suffered much from its non-sovereignty for decades.
Today was a particularly tough war day on Lebanon as well as Israel.
Indeed, in South Lebanon, there were 17 victims, mostly civilians, despite a so-called ceasefire. Recently, in the last 48 hours, many innocent lives were lost in cruel ways. This included three rescue workers, a Lebanese army soldier with his family, women, children. This mortality statistic may likely include an undetermined number of Hezbollah fighters, even if this is unclear (https://tinyurl.com/3fm6whw5).
As far as Israel is concerned, the day was tough, with the death of one Israeli soldier, along with 15 injured peers, from a drone sent by the Hezbollah across the border to the Northern part of the country (https://tinyurl.com/mr25wstx).
At 4:44 PM Beirut time, the US Embassy in Beirut stated on X that “Lebanon stands at a crossroads. Its people have a historic opportunity to reclaim their country and shape their future as a truly sovereign, independent nation“. The same X message, shared below, continues as follows: “A direct meeting between President Aoun and Prime Minister Netanyahu, facilitated by President Trump, would give Lebanon the chance to secure concrete guarantees on full sovereignty, territorial integrity, secure borders, humanitarian and reconstruction support, and the complete restoration of Lebanese state authority over every inch of its territory—guaranteed by the United States.“
Of note, this American invitation came 12 days after a longer speech by President Joseph Aoun to the Lebanese people, which is partly captured in the L’Orient Le Jour short video below in Arabic, subtitled in French:
“I am ready to assume full responsibility for these choices.
I am ready to go anywhere necessary to liberate my land, protect my people, and save my country.
My mission is unique, clear, and defined: to save this country and its people.
This is what I will accomplish with absolute national, human, and spiritual conviction.
And I know you are with me—in secret and in public, you are with me; in your hearts and in your minds, you are with me.
Because I know the extent of the sacrifices you have made.”
Needless to say that the vast majority of the people of Lebanon, whether “in secret and in public” stand in full solidarity with President Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, another patriotic great man. Indeed, the innocent Lebanese people cannot take wars anymore. They aspire for reason, stability, peace and hopefully finally prosperity.
Not surprisingly, as a real hardcore Islamist entity (i.e., loyal to the Iranian regime), Hezbollah rejects these direct negotiations with Israel. Instead, it wants to hang on to its weapons (https://tinyurl.com/2e6vj3df) while remaining under the wings of its founder and funder.
Related to the above, some unhappy Hezbollah officials covertly threatened these two politicians. They even compared Mr. Aoun to Egyptian President Sadat (https://tinyurl.com/3zrhfdvr). As a reminder, the latter was assassinated on October 6, 1981, by Islamic extremists, following his 1979 peace treaty with Israel (https://tinyurl.com/5ek5kva4). How is this acceptable?
Furthermore, they called them “Zionists”, imagine. In their narrow, unhealthy mind, this means “traitors who would support the statehood of Israel instead of Lebanon”. Does this make any sense, especially that Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam happens to be the judge and diplomat who served as President of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) (February 2024- early 2025), leading significant cases against Israel? As for the President of Lebanon, he is the former head of the Lebanese Army. Luckily, without explicitly naming it, the latter reminded Hezbollah that “the real betrayal is dragging the country to war to serve foreign interests” (https://tinyurl.com/mxjn6cws). Cleverly and diplomatically said, bravo.
To come back to the worsening war situation in Lebanon, day after day (despite a so-called ceasefire), Mr. Joseph Aoun stated the following (and thanks to La Presse for reporting): “We must put pressure on Israel to respect international laws and agreements and stop targeting civilians, rescue workers, Civil Defense, and humanitarian organizations” (https://tinyurl.com/3fm6whw5).
May God protect not just Lebanon, but also its political leaders, from imminent danger. May the Lebanese negotiators be wise as well as courageous. One thing is clear: Lebanese people cannot take wars anymore. They are fed up of helplessly seeing their country, time and again, serving as a battleground for regional conflicts. Good luck to the “Land of Cedars” in these highly critical moments of its modern history!
According to YouTube, Ms. Nehme’s new song was released on April 13, 2026. What a symbolic day since it was the 51st anniversary of the Lebanese civil war. Below you can read the names of the creators, along with the song’s lyrics in Arabic and in English. Long live beloved Beirut!
“CREDITS
Lyrics & Music: Wissam Keyrouz
Mastering Engineer: Sleiman Damien
Music Production: Sleiman Damien
Directed by Nadim Hobeika
Recording: Elie Barbar
Footage by: Maria Ghafary
Edit & Post-Production: Yara Hanna
Arabic Lyrics
حبيتي قولي .. نسيتي الغناء
حبيتي قومي فآن اللقاء
وما في يديّ سوى خبزتين
لطير يناجيك فوق الميناء
حبيتي لا لا يجفّ الحنين
فعند النهاية أنت البقاء
فأنت البيوت وانت السفينة
وانت الفتاة وانت المدينة
وثوباً لأجمل يوم غداً تلبسين
فانت الكتاب وانت الحكاية
وانت الوصول وانت البداية
فبيروت أنت.. نحبك … هل تسمعين؟
حبيبتي هيا، تعالي نطير
جناحاك كونٌ فكيف نسير
مشينا كثيرا لكي نبتدي
حلمنا كثيرا لكي ننتهي
حبيبتي، لا لا تضيق الدروب
وعند المساء بك نهتدي
فأنت البيوت وانت السفينة
وانت الفتاة وانت المدينة
وثوباً لأجمل يوم غداً تلبسين
فانت الكتاب وانت الحكاية
وانت الوصول وانت البداية
“فبيروت أنت.. نحبك … هل تسمعين؟
English Lyrics
“My love, tell me… have you forgotten how to sing?
My love, rise; for now is the time we meet.
And in my hands, I hold nothing but two loaves of bread
for a bird that calls to you FROM above the harbor.
My love, no… let longing never DIE,
for in the end, you are what remains.
For you are the homes, and you are the ship.
You are the girl, and you are the city.
And tomorrow
you will wear a dress for the most beautiful of days.
For you are the book, and you are the story.
You are the arrival, and you are the beginning.
You are Beirut. We love you! Can you hear us?
My love, come… let us fly,
your wings are THE universe.
How could we not?
We have walked so far just to begin.
We have dreamed so much just to reach the end.
My love, no… the roads will not narrow,
and in the evening, it is by you that we find our way.
According to Marcus Arelius, born on April 26 (https://tinyurl.com/5e58bvfb) [yesterday, like you “Doudou”, if you are reading this post : )]!, “when you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love“.
What a beautiful morning thought, isn’t it? In general, to what extent do you agree with this thought, dear readers? In other terms, do you happen to acknowledge the value of gratitude? And if so, does it make you feel more peaceful or happier?
Perhaps as we advance in age, we become more easily grateful for the little things. At the same time, we might become less focused on what might be lacking. However, regardless of our chronological age, we can all learn to become a bit more grateful, if we wish. Sometimes, life gives us golden opportunities to appreciate it even more. For example, despite any sorry when we are grieving a loved one, we might become particularly aware of the beauty and preciousness of life.
Life within us and life around us, whether in human beings or other species, in nature or domestically. We might feel an urge to live more fully and to keep moving while pausing, as needed, to honour the life of our loved one, no longer present in the same manner.
With or without grief, life can sometimes become tougher on people in many different ways for all reasons. For instance, some people might encounter chronic pain or illness. Others might be morally suffering, perhaps stuck in a toxic relationship or in a collectively harsh context like wars, natural disasters, or pandemics. Yet others might be in a unpleasant internal state like a burnout or depressed mood.
With all the above, how could people keep being grateful or re-learn to feel gratitude to be “alive”, anchored in the present moment? Luckily for all of us, several daily choices remain available at all times and for free like walking, writing, resting, keeping busy, connecting in kind ways with ourselves and with others, and/or maybe listening to music.
As far as music is concerned, three songs come to Bambi’s mind right now. The first, by Mr. Michel Fugain, is a call for joy, entitled “Chante” [Sing (life)]. It is sub-titled below in English, for your convenience, thanks to YouTube. As for the rest of the songs, they are by the late and great Mr. Jean-Pierre Ferland. Today happens to be the second anniversary of his death (https://tinyurl.com/356xzpbd). May his memory be eternal. In line with the themes of love and gratitude, Bambi selected one of Mr. Ferland’s beautiful songs to conclude this post with. The first version is performed by him, along with Ms. Céline Dion and Ms. Ginette Reno. As for the second version, it is performed by him with Ms. Lara Fabian. Long live the voice of these GREAT singers!
